2004 KIA Sorento

Back on our 2003 4x4 of the Year test, we picked the '03 Lexus GX 470 as the winner, and got plenty of flak about our choice. After a year of driving we still thought it was a good choice, but what really intrigued us was the '03 Kia Sorento, which came in fourth-and was half the cost of the Lexus. We decided a long-term test of the Sorento was in order, and received an '04 model a bit different from our previous test rig. With the addition of the luxury options and the EX package, we came in a little higher at $27,635, but felt the added upgrades were worth it. After 25,000 miles of hammering on it and driving till dawn, it was time to return the little guy, and we were definitely sorry to see it go.

As we noted back then, the Sorento was a vehicle with a "do nothing wrong" performance rating-a rig that consistently matched the other contestants in the crowded field except in the gadgetry department. After driving the Sorento for a year, we appreciate the lack of techno-crap that just isn't needed, while all the basic luxo-mods are really appreciated. The full-time four-wheel drive is always appreciated on mountain roads, dirt forays, and horrendous downpours. With the limited-slip rear end, this 4x4 can continue playing while lesser SUVs get hung up on dirt berms and center medians. The interior is as comfortable and durable after a year of thrashing as on the first day, and thousand-mile road trips are still looked forward to instead of detested as a chore.

For the '05 model year Kia has left the Sorento relatively unchanged, except for an automatic or manual five-speed option and a new selection of colors. We tested the '05 out for a few weeks as well, and found the same great quality construction, powerful V-6 engine, and superb overall performance. However, we much prefer the auto over the stick unless we were trying for maximum fuel economy, which is in the high teens anyway. Overall, the Kia Sorento is the right rig to buy if you need this combination of style, economy, and performance while still retaining incredible off-road performance from such an unlikely contender.